The Best Beaches In Salou, Spain | Our 9 Favourites
Looking for the best beaches in Salou, Spain? This summer I spent a week in the Costa Dorada, exploring the spectacular stretches of golden sand Salou is so famous for. In this post, I’m sharing my absolute favourites, plus how to visit them, and what facilities to expect when you get there.
It was a perfect, sun drenched day in northeast Spain and with the temperature rising, ice cream and a morning of sunbathing beckoned. So, with beach towel in hand, we set off along the dusty coastal trail in search of Salou’s beaches.
What we found was a slice of heaven.
Since returning, we’re frequently asked ‘does Salou have nice beaches’, and the answer is a resounding yes. The beaches on the Salou coast are everything you want them to be; soft sands, picturesque coves, hidden bays, and of course, gently lapping turquoise waters.
Under the Mediterranean sun, there is little better and bronzed bodies scattered on rainbow-coloured towels are a sure sign of summer.
Best known as a bustling Spanish holiday resort, Salou is a surprisingly compact town. Yet, like its coastal neighbours, Salou’s beaches stretch for miles upon miles; some understated and small, others huge and packed with sun worshippers.
The challenge? Choosing from the myriad of beaches available - there are 25 exceptional beaches in Salou and countless other coves, bays, and sandy inlets to explore.
Each sandy spot has its benefits and every traveller is catered for - from wild beaches, to pretty coves with a solitary beach shack, to the busy town centre beach backed by a plethora of delicious dining options.
In this guide I’m sharing the best beaches in Salou, plus practical tips like what to pack, where to find facilities, and things to know for beach days in this lively resort town.
Ready to hit the beach? Let’s go!
Salou Beach Map
The first thing you’ll notice in the map below is that the Salou coastline meanders somewhat from the resort centre to Cap Salou (roughly around 5km). Our favourite beach are listed east to west; starting in the quieter parts near the Cap and moving towards the lively urban beaches in the heart of the town.
The best Salou beaches, Spain
It’s important to mention that I personally visited all the beaches below and spent time curating a list of my absolute favourite calas, platjas, and Salou beaches that I genuinely recommend. That said, some of the popular beaches which I actually enjoyed less (mainly to do with overcrowding) still get a mention - but with a word of caution.
Cala Crancs
Despite being overlooked by a handful of hotels, Cala Crancs feels secluded and off-the-beaten track.
Located in Cap Salou, this Salou beach is furthest from the resort centre but it is easily accessible on foot or by bus. Tucked inside a sheltered cove, Cala Crancs is popular with snorkelers due to its calm water and gently sloping beach. Backed by cliffs and a scattering of pine trees, it’s a pretty and intimate cove with soft golden sand.
It reminded me of a similarly pretty, if less famous, Nerja beach on Spain’s southern coast.
Facilities: public toilets, bins, some hammock hire, and the Cala Bonita snack bar at the beach entrance. There’s little else on the beach itself, so bring everything else you might need.
Parking: a small parking area around 150 metres from the beach.
Map: find Cala Crancs here.
Vinya Cove & Cala Font
A larger cove split into two sections of soft sand, the aesthetic is similar to Cala Crancs - but with more hotels, loungers and a beach bar.
Given its accessibility and close proximity to accommodation, it’s a generally busier spot, meaning the vibe is quite different.
However, these two coves are sheltered by cliffs and with soft sand and crystal clears waters perfect for paddling, both coves are worth a visit. Spend an afternoon, or, if you’re walking the coastal trail, its a good place to take a break.
Facilities: lounger rental and a beach bar with toilets.
Parking: limited along a street at the beach entrance, I recommend visiting on foot or by bus.
Map: find Vinya Cove & Cala Font here.
Cala Penya Tallada
This tiny slice of paradise is my favourite cove, despite its small size and relative inaccessibility.
Requiring a walk down a series of steep steps, the postcard-perfect bay and calm waters mean it is very much worth the effort of getting here. At the bottom of the cliffs, a soft sandy beach offers the perfect spot for an afternoon spent sunbathing, alongside beautiful views and shallow swimming.
Surrounded by unique sea walls, pine trees, and pretty whitewashed buildings, the aesthetic is perfection, with the best views from the headland above.
In our opinion, Cala Penya Tallada is Salou’s quietest beach - known to locals but often overlooked by travellers, this is an idyllic spot. If you want a wild, natural and a secluded feel, this is a great option.
Just around the corner is equally tiny, but equally beautiful, Platja de la Costa, a little bay also worth exploring if you have time.
Facilities: none at all, but you can buy cold drinks & snacks from the Can Duran mini-mart nearby (here).
Parking: limited to a handful of on-street spaces, I recommend visiting on foot or by bus.
Map: find Cala Penya Tallada here.
Platja Llarga
Moving along the coast towards Salou resort centre and the pretty bays give way to sweeping stretches of golden sands. The first is Platja Llarga, a 675-metre-long beach backed by pines.
Only a 20-minute walk from Salou, this is one of my top spots for a day of sunbathing.
There are few hotels on this stretch, which means largely uninterrupted views of the sea and cliffs, and the backdrop is a lush, verdant forest. The beach itself is powdery soft and golden, with all the vibes of a Spanish summer paradise.
If you want a natural beach with relatively easy access on foot, rather than a small cala, this is a wonderful option.
Facilities: beach bar (Bar La Llarga), toilets, bins, and a small amount of loungers.
Parking: limited to on-street parking, this beach is walkable from Salou centre and I recommend visiting on foot.
Map: find Platja Llarga here.
Cala Llenguadets
Just over the cliff, Cala Llenguadets is a relaxed, sandy cove that’s a good spot for swimming.
Sadly, a strip of unattractive apartments dominate the background, and with so many other incredible beaches to choose from, I can’t say it’s one of my favourites.
However, it is a peaceful spot during the day, the sand is beautifully soft, and we’re reliably informed that this is the place to come for glorious sunset views.
Platja dels Capellans
This Salou beach stands out for it’s lively vibes and younger crowds.
The beach is relatively small but glorious, with heaps of loungers, watersports, swimming, banana boats, and multiple beachfront restaurants. There’s also a ton of hotels nearby and good places to eat, and as such, during the day there’s a definite family focus.
However, later in the afternoon the clifftop beach clubs come to life, with music playing and groups of friends meeting. Keep that in mind if you’re looking for a relaxed vibe; there are far quieter and more natural beaches to along the coast.
However, if you’d like to get involved then a few good places to stop are: Bamboo for fun drinks; La Goleta for really good paella; Restaurant El Raconet d’en Manel for delicious small plates and cocktails; Metropolitan Cafe for bigger plates and good food.
Facilities: toilets, bins, and showers all readily available.
Parking: limited on-street parking spaces on the street above the beach.
Maps: find Capellans beach here.
Salou’s Central beaches: Ponent Beach & Llevant Beach
Finally, a note on Salou’s biggest, and most popular, beaches: Ponent and Llevant.
These beaches are closest to the resort centre and are backed by the town’s main promenade. Due to their resort centre location, they have the most facilities and are easiest to access from Salou’s hotels - meaning they are often extremely busy.
Both expansive stretches of golden sand and spotlessly clean, nonetheless, for us, the urban setting was off-putting and these beaches were a little too crowded.
However, if you’re seeking a lively spot with watersports, playgrounds, sun loungers, bars, and heaps of restaurants within easy walking distance, plus are family friendly, then either of these is a good option (though Llevant is the largest and most central).
Things To KNow About Salou’s Beaches
Walk vs car vs bus
Most beaches are easily accessible on foot and all can be reached via the coastal trail (more information below).
There are exceptions of course, and those beaches towards Cap Salou certainly involve a longer stroll. Because parking is limited my advice is to use the local Plana bus service which runs along the coast and is the most convenient way of getting around.
If you plan on driving, then plan ahead and get to your chosen spot early; before 10am and even earlier during the peak summer months of July and August.
Calas & platjas
Not every beach is created equal and not all beaches in Spain are actually what we Brits consider to be “beaches” (we learned this after a summer in Andalusia). Basically, anything with cala as a prefix is generally a cove, though most have a sandy beach alongside rocky areas and cliffs. Whilst platjas/playas generally signifies a much bigger expanse of sand.
Shallow swimming
For those readers dreaming of summer paddles in the Med, I can confirm that you can swim in the sea at Salou - the water is generally calm, clear, and, in summer, toasty warm!
The Salou Coastal Path
Salou’s beaches are joined by the Salou Coastal Path, or Camí de Ronda, the 9km walking trail which hugs the coastline. If you have time, walking at least some of the coastal trail is a gorgeous way to spend a few hours exploring Salou’s beaches, and I highly recommend it.
The trail is easy to follow, with signposts and maps along the way. The official 9km route runs from Pilons to Salou Lighthouse, but simply start at the point closest to your hotel and walk east or west until you’re tempted by a sandy spot (or an ice cream).
Tip / Wear trainers, not sandals, and avoid walking in the midday heat; I started at 8am and so was able to spend the hottest part of the day sunbathing, not walking. Remember, take plenty of water, SPF, your camera, and a beach towel!
beach day Lunch
Sadly, some quieter beaches don’t have the best options for lunch and we found the best option was either a picnic or heading back into town. For an authentic Catalan lunch, the terrace at the excellent 4R Casablanca Restaurant is a good spot; I can confirm the gazpacho and paella are wonderful, and calamari rings deliciously moreish!
You’ll find other places to eat in this Salou restaurant guide.
Salou cruise
Lastly, why not see the coastline and its beaches from a different angle - and book a lazy sun-soaked day on this popular catamaran cruise. We spent a morning out on the baby blue waters of the Med and it was so much fun.
